NEW YORK-A strong statement of support to Archbishop Elpidophoros was issued by John Catsimatidis, Vice-Chairman of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, former treasurer.

The full statement is as follows: 

Statement of John A. Catsimatidis and Michael G. Psaros on Archiepiscopal Response to Global Pandemic

We affirm in the strongest possible terms our total support of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros and his sanction and encouragement of special practices for the distribution of Holy Communion in this time of the global pandemic. Particularly, we affirm that the use of multiple Spoons to ensure one Spoon per communicant is an effective and pastoral response to give assurance to the Greek Orthodox Faithful of America. COVID-19 has been and continues to be a serious challenge to the Church, as it is to every member of our society. Especially now, when our youth look to the leaders of the Church for wisdom that is as reasonable as it is rooted in our Tradition, this pastoral accommodation to our liturgical tradition, which has clearly evolved through the centuries, demonstrates real Christian love and the kind of leadership that serves the people. We learned that for the first thousand years of our Church, the spoon was not used, that the faithful drank from the Cup and received the Body of Christ in their hands. Then a change occurred. Is it not possible that the Holy Spirit is speaking to the Church, during these days of Pentecost, to ensure the inclusion of everyone in the Sacrament of Holy Communion? We wholeheartedly commend the Archbishop and encourage an open mind throughout the Church as we continue to face this global pandemic.

John A. Catsimatidis                                                   Michael G. Psaros

Archon Notarios                                                         Archon Ostiarios

Vice Chairman                                                             Former Treasurer

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America                  Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America